nyehouse - 8:54 pm on Jan 2, 2003 (gmt 0)

I think the biggest thing that Google can do if they want to avoid the disenchantment of all the core fans and webmasters who have helped make Google what it is, would be to make sure that we can participate in any IPO for starters. I know that I have zero chance of buying any stock at the issue price, as it will be overcommitted to all the big brokers.

I had an idea that Google should set aside 1% or 2% of the float for small investors, and issue them based on some form of points system kind of like Air Miles. A webmaster can apply for a ID, and for every adwords dollar spent, they get so many points which can be redeemed for google merchandise, or even the right to buy google stock. Even without an IPO, this idea makes sense IMHO.

If not this, then run a lottery. Allow us small investors to own part of something we beleive in, and do not cave to corporate america's greed. If done properly, an IPO can be a positive thing. If anyone can make an IPO work, it should be Google.

Plus, I certainly think a lot less of us will be griping, if we make some money from the IPO. :-)

Any one agree, or am I suffering from Google Dance euphoria (nowhere to #3)

Tim